Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany found that Leonardo da Vinci and other famous Renaissance artists experimented with adding egg yolk to oil paint to increase the moisture resistance of paintings and prevent wrinkling and yellowing. The results of the scientists’ work were published in the journal Nature Communications.

During the analysis of the paintings, the experts discovered that adding egg whites and yolks to oil paints acts as an antioxidant, slowing the separation of the paint into oil and pigment. Experts say this is an important discovery, because similar studies of the habits of great artists will improve understanding of how best to preserve priceless works of art.

“Our results show that even with a very small amount of egg yolk it is possible to achieve an incredible change in the properties of oil paint. Paintings would not crack or turn yellow when dry as before. So the world can still admire the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci and other masters.”, the researchers concluded. Source